The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD in adults. The medication improves focus, concentration and reduces impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD treatment for adults is a kind of drug called psychostimulant. medication for adhd increases certain chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps to control impulses and improve concentration. Stimulants are the first treatment most doctors recommend. adhd and medication may not be appropriate for everyone, since they can cause serious side effects, such as anxiety or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for children and adults. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be controlled by taking a low dose of an antidepressant drug known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) in conjunction with it.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain which is a chemical responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who have ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It is important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD but they can help manage it. It can take a while to determine the best dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms while minimizing adverse negative effects. Your doctor may recommend a variety of medications and doses to see what works best for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause side effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include those designed specifically to treat ADHD and also those that lower blood-pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or prescribe them alone.
Medications in this group include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for those who suffer from tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to reduce depression and anxiety, both of which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or an increased pulse rate. The higher heart rate can be a concern for some adults, especially those with heart disease. These medicines can also lead to an increase in appetite. These medicines can also slow down growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the medication. You can always ask your doctor to change the dose or switch medications if needed. Inform your doctor if suffer from any other health issues and medications that may interact with them. If you suffer from an ongoing condition such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor may require adjusting the dosage of your other medications.